Bitonio showing versatility ahead of today's Senior Bowl

Joel Bitonio expected to get some practice in and then play a football game. He knew there were some other activities involved with the Senior Bowl, but he didn’t expect this.

“You don’t get very much time to relax here,” the former Nevada offensive tackle said Thursday after his squad, the South, practiced for the final time. “They move you around a lot. It kind of overwhelms you.”

The Wolf Pack’s only postseason bowl invite, Bitonio is taking advantage of everything the week has to offer. The game — today at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (NFL Network, 1 p.m.) — is an important part of it, but more important is the week that leads up to it.

“It’s a great experience and a great honor to get invited here,” said the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Bitonio, who will wear No. 71 today.

Nevada's Joel Bitonio smiles during a break in his last game at Nevada, Nov. 30 against BYU at Mackay Stadium. (Tom Smedes/Special the the RGJ file)

Bitonio, like all the players, has been put through a litany of interviews and tests by every NFL team.

“The second day (Tuesday) was all about orientation,” said Bitonio, a Long Beach, Calif., native and a three-year starter at left tackle for the Wolf Pack. “We were meeting people and setting up interviews. You go from spot to spot. The (Jacksonville) Jaguars are my coaches. They were trying to teach me the playbook in three hours.

“Monday night was formal interviews. You go into a room for three hours and meet with teams in 10-minute blocks. I met with a lot of offensive line coaches.”

Bitonio’s agent, Ryan Tollner of Rep1 Sports, said Bitonio continues to make a great impression with the league.

“Joel finished the season with a lot of buzz in the scouting community for what his game film displays — size and athleticism, great use of leverage and a relentlessness to finish through the whistle on every snap,” said Tollner, a former Cal quarterback. “He built on that this week in Mobile. … Joel is exceptionally smart, passionate and likeable, which translates clearly in his interviews with teams.”

There’s been some talk that Bitonio might fit better at the NFL level at guard, and he has spent time at every position on the offensive line this week. He even took some snaps at center.

That versatility can come in handy in the NFL, whose teams usually only dress about eight offensive linemen.

Bitonio, who will be blocking for former Nevada teammate David Fales, the quarterback who transferred to San Jose State, said that the most frequently asked question by NFL personnel is: Do you see yourself more as a tackle or a guard? He said the feedback he’s been getting is pretty split down the middle — guard or tackle.

“I’ve been asked that question all week,” said Bitonio, projected as a second- or third-round pick in the NFL draft in May. “I really don’t care. I’ll play any position they want me to play. Obviously, right now, I’m more comfortable at tackle. But give me three weeks and I’ll be comfortable (at guard).”

Tollner is very confident that Bitonio, who will also take part in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis next month, will succeed in the NFL.

“He’s been taking snaps at all five O-line positions and winning nearly all of his matchups,” Tollner said. “… It is hard to guess where he will be drafted at this point, but we are excited about the direction he is headed and sure he can start immediately for the team that drafts him.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

ABOUT JOEL BITONIO

“The versatile Bitonio, 6-4, 307, showed skill at both tackle and guard. He’s a wide-bodied blocker who easily handled everyone he faced off against today in both drills and scrimmage. Bitonio was not the prettiest blocker yet did everything scouts asked of him.”

– PhiladelphiaEagles.com

“The 6-4, 315-pounder is expected to be asked to play guard this week after not playing guard with the Wolf Pack. He has a good motor but will have to show well this week in a position switch against some of the better pass rushers in this draft. He played well when he faced Anthony Barr in Nevada’s game against UCLA this past season.”

– National Football Post

“Nevada’s Joel Bitonio has quietly done a nice job rotating throughout the offensive line all week, as well.”

– CBSSports.com

“Nevada’s Joel Bitonio finishes plays and is a scrappy player, but he’s got the feet of an offensive guard and probably projects more inside despite playing left tackle throughout his college career. He’s built as a guard too at 6-4, 307.”

– BaltimoreRavens.com

“I think (moving to guard) helps him. He has great versatility. He had a good year. He moves well. He has the toughness. He has the quickness, agility. I think he’ll end up as a possibility for the second round.”

– NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.

“Whose stock will rise this week? Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage … spoke of Nevada’s Joel Bitonio, 6-4, 315, a player with the versatility to play tackle or guard.”

About this blog

Longtime RGJ Media reporter Dan Hinxman is the authority on Wolf Pack athletics, bringing you the day-to-day coverage of Nevada’s sports teams. Dan has covered almost everything the Northern Nevada sports scene has to offer and will use his knowledge to bring you authoritative and engaging Wolf Pack content. Follow him on Twitter at @DanHinxmanRGJ.